After nearly 60 years in the Central Valley, Sam's Food City grocery chain is closing up shop. Gary Lowe, one of the store's partners, said it's a sad day for the entire Sam's Food City family.He said 75 to 100 employees will be losing their jobs as a result of the store closures in Modesto, Livingston and Turlock.See photosSam's Food City opened its first store in Newman. The grocery store was named after Lowe's grandfather, the founder of the chain.Regular customers told KCRA 3 they were shocked to hear their neighborhood grocery would be closing.During the week, people have been coming in to say their goodbyes to the cashiers.One cashier said the store is the "Cheers" of grocery stores -- a place where "everybody knows your name."Lowe said they've been fighting the prospect of closure for a while, but could no longer compete with big-box stores.He said running a grocery had thin margins already, and with the arrival of Super Walmarts to the area, people will go where the prices are cheap.Sam's Food City will close as soon as all the inventory is sold.Right now, everything is being sold at a 30 percent markdown.Lowe said he is saddened to lose all of his employees, some whom have worked for him for more than two decades. He's hoping they will find good jobs as soon as possible.

MODESTO, Calif. (KCRA) —

After nearly 60 years in the Central Valley, Sam's Food City grocery chain is closing up shop.

Gary Lowe, one of the store's partners, said it's a sad day for the entire Sam's Food City family.

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He said 75 to 100 employees will be losing their jobs as a result of the store closures in Modesto, Livingston and Turlock.